Cortisol, Total Test
The total cortisol test measures the total amount of cortisol, a hormone, in a blood sample. Quest lists it under names including stress hormone, adrenal cortisol, hydrocortisone and total cortisol.
About this test
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. This test reports the total concentration of cortisol in a serum sample, analyzed using an immunoassay.
Because cortisol naturally varies through the day and can be affected by many factors, a single result is read by a clinician together with symptoms, history and the reason the test was ordered, rather than as a stand-alone answer.
Test details
| Quest code | 367 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Immunoassay |
| Sample type | 1 mL serum |
| Patient preparation | Note: Assay not recommended when patient is receiving prednisone/prednisolone therapy due to cross reactivity with the antibody used in this assay. |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
Related tests and panels
Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports one value: the total concentration of cortisol in a serum sample, measured using immunoassay. Quest lists it under several names, including stress hormone, adrenal cortisol, hydrocortisone and total cortisol, all referring to the same measurement.
Order online. No doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the total cortisol test measure?
It measures the total amount of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, in a serum sample using immunoassay.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses a serum sample from a routine blood draw at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Do I need to prepare for a cortisol test?
Quest lists a note about medications for this test. You'll find it in Quest's words in the test details on this page.
Why might a clinician order a cortisol test?
Quest describes cortisol as increased in Cushing's Disease and decreased in Addison's Disease, and elevated cortisol has also been associated with difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes. A clinician orders the test to help evaluate one of these possibilities, alongside other findings.
Is this the same as a salivary or urine cortisol test?
No. This is a blood test measuring total cortisol in serum. Saliva- or urine-based cortisol tests are separate products with their own collection methods.
What does a Cortisol Total test cost without insurance?
The test is $45, plus $25 for the doctor's order and Quest blood draw. Total: $70. The $25 fee is waived at $149+. See how ordering works and our blood test cost guide.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Note: Assay not recommended when patient is receiving prednisone/prednisolone therapy due to cross reactivity with the antibody used in this assay. This is the preparation Quest publishes for this test; if your clinician gives you different instructions, follow theirs.